Webzen Sues Hound13 to Halt Dragon Sword Sales on Steam
Webzen Fires Back, Files Lawsuit to Halt Dragon Sword Sales
The ongoing conflict between Webzen and developer Hound13 has officially escalated into a full-blown legal battle. What started as a dispute over publishing rights has now reached the courtroom, with Webzen taking decisive action to protect its position.
The situation intensified after Hound13 attempted to rebrand and release the game as Dragon Sword: Awakening on Steam, bypassing its original publisher. This move has reignited tensions and pushed the issue into legal territory.
Legal Action Taken by Webzen
Webzen has responded with a firm and strategic approach, initiating multiple legal steps:
- Filing a lawsuit to reaffirm its rights as the official service provider
- Requesting an injunction to immediately halt the sale of the game on Steam
- Claiming that Hound13’s actions are causing serious consumer confusion
One key point raised is that Webzen is still in the middle of a full refund process for players of the original version, making the new release even more controversial.
A Conflict Between Publisher and Developer
At the heart of this dispute lies a familiar industry tension:
- The rights of investors and publishers
- Versus the creative and distribution control of developers
Webzen argues that the original contract has not yet reached a proper conclusion, while Hound13 has remained silent, offering no official response to the lawsuit so far.
The Future of Dragon Sword Hangs in the Balance
For now, Webzen has already:
- Suspended all in-game purchases
- Focused on refunding players
- Shifted its efforts toward legal protection
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications beyond just one game. If a ruling sets a precedent, it may redefine how disputes between publishers and developers are handled across the industry.
This is no longer just about Dragon Sword. It is about ownership, control, and the future rules of game publishing.
